News

Catholic Church responds to Lammy Review

08/09/2017 5:50 pm

The lead Catholic Bishop for racial justice issues has welcomed MP David Lammy's review into the treatment of, and outcomes for, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) individuals in the Criminal Justice System.

Among other recommendations Mr Lammy called for reforms to help young BAME people into work after leaving prison, writing in the Guardian: “most of all, young people need a different future to aspire to, but our criminal records regime is holding them back. Half of employers would not consider employing someone with a criminal record.”

Responding to the report Bishop Paul McAleenan said:

“This report is an important contribution to the national conversation around racial justice, and its recommendations deserve to be taken seriously.

I agree with the particular emphasis that David Lammy places on helping young BAME people into work after leaving prison.

Last year the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales committed to play our part by ‘banning the box’ in Church recruitment practices and encouraging other employers to do likewise.

The report will be a valuable resource as we continue to develop our work for racial justice.”